The Reckoning

Oakmount Elite #7

by J.L. Beck

Aries:

I kept my distance to protect her.

My little stepsister with wide eyes and soft smiles—too innocent for a world like mine.

But while I was locked away in darkness, he took my place.

My name. My life.

Her.

Now I’m back. And I’ll burn this world to the ground to get it all back—even if she’s afraid of what I’ve become.

Lilian:

I was never meant to matter this much.
Not to one brother—let alone two.
Aries was my almost. The stepbrother I shouldn’t have loved.
Arson was the secret. The lie no one warned me about… until it was too late.

They hate each other.
Always have. Always will.
But now I’m gone, and the only way to get me back is to work together.

Two monsters. One obsession.
And when they find me, the war between them won’t stop.
It’ll just turn inward—
Because saving me might be the one thing that breaks them both.

Arson:

I was never supposed to have a name.
He was the golden one. I was the shadow they buried.
But then she looked at me—and didn’t run.
She saw my brother’s face and wanted me.

And I wanted her.
Twisted. Pure. Off-limits.
Mine.

Now she’s been taken, and for the first time in our broken, blood-soaked lives,
Aries and I want the same thing.

We’ll burn the world to bring her back.
And when we do…
We’ll see which of us she survives.

Please note this is the final book in the Oakmount Elite Series and it is NOT a standalone. Please read The Psychopaths before reading this book to avoid confusion and spoilers. For a detailed list of triggers read the warning at the beginning of the book.

Genres: Dark Romance, Dark, Why Choose, Romance, Forced Proximity, M F M, Contemporary

332 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 12, 2025

About the author

J.L. Beck is the USA Today Best Selling author of unapologetic romance. She lives in WI with her husband, two kids, and four dogs. She enjoys writing and recently starting a literary agency to help represent authors in the industry.

To learn more about her books or interact with her go here: https://linktr.ee/jlbeckbooks

J.L. Beck xoxoxo

Reviews

[Brittany (Brit.tea.reads) · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love this series so much, I’m going to really miss these characters. This was a great ending to the Oakmount Elite series. 🖤

[Kayla | Kayla Reads Smut · Rating 4 out of 5]

I need to start this review off with stating that this is the second book in a duet which means you NEED to read The Psychopaths FIRST. If you do not, this book with make absolutely no sense. The Reckoning starts off where The Psychopaths cliffhanger left off. Ok now that we got that one out of the way, let's get into my thoughts and opinions.

I am a huge fan of JL Beck and this whole Oakmount Elite series. It's a series that I recommend to any one who loves a dark romance with morally grey/black MCs because these men are truly toeing the line of morality and I love it. I will say, I am sad to see this series come to an end. I have grown so fond of all of these boys and will have a hard time saying goodbye but with that being said, what a fantastic way to end a truly fantastic series.

Now The Psychopaths and The Reckoning is a MFM duet with identical twin brothers and an FMC who is their step sister. Which means there is a lot of taboo things that happen in this book so if that's not your thing, please skip this duet. Now as someone who is a certified why choose/reverse harem hater, I did devour book. I will say I did choose my favorite twin and there were moments that I felt like there was one twin who was getting preferential treatment but in the end, their relationship was healing in so many ways for each.

Arson, Aries and Lilian truly have a twisted dark story to tell. From the moment we learn of all the messed up things that was happening to each one of them in The Psychopaths to seeing them find forgiveness in each other to exact revenge the ones that deserved it was beautiful to see. Their parents definitely got the day that they deserved. And their relationship all together, when they finally accepted that they can not have Lilian if they do not accept the relationship for what she wants was spicy. We have some sharing scenes, exhibitionism, primal play, blood play, a little peach play and some good ole double penetration. All of which is glorious in that JL Beck way.

Now I will say, as someone who has loved and adored this whole series, I fear I feel like I finished this series with a few questions that were left unanswered. I would name those just because I don't want to spoil it for others but I do feel like there were some minor plot holes and things left unfinished. As what another reviewer has said, I do also feel like there was some repetition that was a little unnecessary as well but I do understand why it was done. Another thing I want to mention, based on timelines of books, I do feel like the ending doesn't 100% match up. But with that being said, I LOVED this series and duet. The last chapter was a beautiful way to bring all of the couples together one last time to say good. And JL Beck, if you would like to give us a novella of the boys in the future I would devour it!

You should read this book if you like:
- Dark Revenge Romance
- Morally Grey OTT J/P MCs
- Identical Twin MMCs
- Step Siblings
- Why Choose/MFM
- Heroine is a Stalker
- DubCon
- Hidden Identity
- Primal Play/Blood Play/DP

* I would like to say a HUGE THANK YOU to JL Beck for allowing me the pleasure to read The Reckoning as an ARC in exchange for my honest thoughts, opinions and review.

[Tamarra Lynch · Rating 5 out of 5]

J.L. Beck closed this series out with a bang.

This book picks right up after The Psychopaths, and boy are we readers in for a thrilling ride.

If you like your characters all dark and twisty and WTF moments that will have you secretly swooning for the morally grey male main characters and a villain you didn’t see coming, please check your sanity at the door, because whatever you thought you knew will have you questioning what ever is going through your mind.

These characters will give you chemistry that of which will put any book you’ve read previously to shame, because it was off the charts. When everyone is making a play for power and the games are so deliciously tense you could cut the tension with a knife.

If this book had you well up past your bed time, all I can say is you did the right thing. Dark doesn’t begin to describe what this book is, it will not let you look in the other direction until the obsessions, revenge and romance has gripped you by the teeth and owned you wholly, completely and irrevocably.

This book is well worth the read and one I will read again!

Highly recommend both the author and the book.

[Karla Rendon · Rating 4 out of 5]

Okay… this book was a ride. Dark, twisty, and full of those “should I be rooting for them?” moments that I secretly love. I went in thinking I knew who the villain was and ended up questioning everyone.

The chemistry? Off the charts. The power games? Deliciously tense. I caught myself saying “just one more chapter” at 2 a.m. because I needed to see how it played out.

It’s definitely darker than my usual reads, but I couldn’t look away. If you’re into obsession, revenge, and romance with teeth, this one’s worth picking up.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Amber (Amber Reads Romance) · Rating 5 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

The Reckoning is the second part of the duet and the final book in the Oakmount Elite series. I thought this one was a lot more emotional than the first part, and it finally moved things from a love triangle to an MFM romance.

This picks up right after the cliffhanger from The Psychopaths where Lillian has been kidnapped by Arson's backers. Now Arson and Aries are forced to put their issues aside to work together and get their girl back. It doesn't take long to get Lillian back, but they only have a week to bring down Hayes parents.

Lillian is tired of being controlled and is standing up for what she wants. She wants to be with both of the twins, but only if they can get over their hatred and animosity.

Things definitely heat up in this book, especially when the twins finally work through their past and decide to share her in every way.

There are some crazy reveals, and I was happy with everything resolved in the end. It was a fantastic conclusion to this series.

🔥 MFM
🔥 Stepbrothers
🔥 Revenge
🔥 DP & Sharing
🔥 Dark Romance
🔥 Degradation
🔥 Praise

Thank you to the author and Booksprout for providing the ARC.

[Sim-fully Ever After · Rating 5 out of 5]

5🌟, 4.5 🌶️

An ending worthy of the chaos, heartbreak, and passion this series is known for.

Picking up right after the cliffhanger in The Psychopaths, this finale wastes no time pulling you back into the chaos, heartbreak, and passion of Oakmount Elite.

Aries and Arson—twin brothers broken in different ways—carry scars that make their fractured bond raw, messy, and deeply emotional.

Lilian’s growth was incredible. No longer quiet and complacent, she steps into her own power, refusing to be silenced and bringing balance and strength to the brothers’ turmoil.

What binds the three isn’t only fire—it’s survival, devotion, and the refusal to let the past win. That finale hit like a punch to the heart—powerful, emotional, unforgettable.

Goodbyes are never easy, but this one was perfect. 🤩

~~~~

Thank you to J.L. Beck and The Smuthood (via Booksprout) for this Advanced Reader Copy. ✨

[ashlee ❤ · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lillian, Aries, + Arson

-mfm dark romance
-step siblings
-twin brothers
-psychopath behavior
-groveling
-lies & secrets revealed

this was a great ending for this whole series. i would have liked the whole crew to be a little more involved & more of that found family factor. & lillian was very repetitive on her saying "she's done" with the boys fighting...but they were all SOOO SO HAWTTTT!!!

[Keza Campbell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a fantastic way to finish a series but I really wanted more Lilian, Arson and Aries.

All questions were most definitely answered in this book.

It was super steamy and Aries and Arson couldn't be more different but the same all at once.

Lilian finally declares that no one will be in charge of her life going forward but her.

I definitely recommend 👌

[Mandyloves2read · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely love this series and this author’s writing—she never holds back! The plot twist in this book was so good, I truly didn’t see it coming (though I should have known better with J—she’s famous for her epic, jaw-dropping twists!). The characters were phenomenal, and I grew so attached that I’m honestly sad to see their journey come to an end. This is definitely a series I know I’ll be rereading in the future.

[The_Book_Brat · Rating 4 out of 5]

*Menage (MFM)
*Contemporary
*Multi-1st-PoV
*Dark Elements
*Jumping timeline
*Step-Siblings
*Health Issues
*Revenge plotline
*Cliffhanger
*Medium Burn
*Book 2/2
Revenge is served on a fiery hot plate!
This second book of the duet was satisfying in the development of the relationships between this trio; the intrigue and action was maintained throughout in a good pace; and all answers were wrapped up with a satisfying conclusion 😃
It picks up immediately after the last book with Lillian’s kidnapping and how what interesting tidbits of information this draws out of Aries’ backers and how it links to the wider Hayes saga 😲 It forces the twins to work together and attempt to get over their who had it worse argument and seek wider help to protect their girl! There is considerable (most page after page) repetition in the middle of this book (around this part) of Lillian’s refusal to be in the middle of the twins, which I found a little jarring. However this was quickly got over when the boys finally put their differences aside in a dramatic way, and although not all may have not been forgiven, they are forging a way forward together! Yikes when these boys get on together - it is FIRE 🔥 and passion for our girl 🌶️ Once these guys have a plan in place, it does move pretty rapidly towards their final showdown when all the secrets start coming out…… I haven’t read the other books in this series but that epilogue felt a good round off for all of the involved characters.

[Steph · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review the reckoning

-why choose
-Twin brothers
-Found family
-Revenge
-Sharing is caring

Oh my god I’m so sad that the series is over 😭😭😭. This is the final book in the oakmount elite series. This is book 7,I am so sad that this world is over 😭😭😭. I really enjoyed this series and how unhinged it was 😂.

This is the last part of the duet with this story so the story follows Ares,Arson and Lillian and it literally picks off where the last book ends were Ares and Arson know that Lillian has been taken but they don’t know where she is and they are going more unhinged trying to find her 😂😂

The story ramps up pretty quickly in relation to how to find her and from there you do see the connection between the three of them really, the connection this book is more emotional than the first book but you also see if the connection between the twin brothers and all of the secrets that have really kept them apart their entire lives.

These two were down bad for Lillian but she was also down bad for them as well so you could definitely see why she would have a hard choice picking between the two because they both love to so so so much 💕💕💕💕

This was the perfect way to wrap up the series and I really just can’t wait to see what @jl beck does next because she is an auto by author for me and can’t wait for her next world she creates that I become obsessed with lol

Thank you to @jl beck and smuthood for an arc copy of this book as this will be released on the 12th of September

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️🌶️

[SmuttyEverAfter · Rating 4 out of 5]

ARC review:

This was a great ending to such a twisted story. The dynamic between Arson and Lilian vs Aries and Lilian was so interesting and different. The three of them together was👌🏻. It did feel a little repetitive at times with the twins fighting and Lilian being “done with it” but at least the spicy scenes were 🔥.

[Chay Charita Reads · Rating 5 out of 5]

Couldn’t wait for the continuation of Aries, Arson, and Lillian’s story and J.L. Beck didn’t disappoint especially when including the other Oakmount characters in this culmination of the series.

Aries, Arson and Lillian experienced so much throughout their young lives that the ending of the story and them getting their just rewards was perfectly executed. I loved how all the previous characters ended the series together!

[Melissa Sargo · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the last book in the Oakmount Elite series this one did not disappoint. I LOVED how much growth we saw in our FMC through out the book. The story was amazing and the chemistry between these three is sooo hot !
It really was a fantastic ending to this series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Isabella Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

"𝓜𝓪𝔂𝓫𝓮 𝓽𝓱𝓪𝓽'𝓼 𝔀𝓱𝔂 𝔀𝓮'𝓿𝓮 𝓯𝓸𝓾𝓷𝓭 𝓮𝓪𝓬𝓱 𝓸𝓽𝓱𝓮𝓻 𝓷𝓸𝔀. 𝓣𝓱𝓻𝓮𝓮 𝓫𝓻𝓸𝓴𝓮𝓷 𝓹𝓲𝓮𝓬𝓮𝓼 𝓯𝓻𝓸𝓶 𝓽𝓱𝓮 𝓼𝓪𝓶𝓮 𝓯𝓻𝓪𝓬𝓽𝓾𝓻𝓮𝓭 𝓹𝓾𝔃𝔃𝓵𝓮.”

We have finally reached the end of the Oakmount Elite series...and it is definitely bittersweet having to say goodbye to everyone...but I think this whole story was wrapped up perfectly and beautifully. This book picks up right where The Psychopaths leaves off...it is part of a duet so you ABSOLUTELY have to read the previous book to understand what is going on with this one.

From page one, we jump right back into the chaos with Aries and Arson realizing that Lillian has been kidnapped and they momentarily put their fighting aside in order to get their girl back. Thankfully, Lillian being missing doesn't last long and Aries and Arson are able to find her quickly...but that doesn't mean that things are good. They still have to deal with the people who took her, getting their revenge...sorting out their issues and figuring out exactly how things with Lillian are going to work.

Like I said, you need to read the previous book to understand this one...Aries and Arson are identical twin brothers who went through horrific things growing up...being torn apart and pitted against each other their entire lives...one being institutionalized and the other living life as the "golden boy" but it was anything but...while it wasn't as horrific as the institution, it was still a different form of torture at the hands of their parents. Lillian is their step sister and the object of both of their affection and obsession.

What I loved the most in this book is the character growth with all three of them. Lillian expresses her love and NEED for both of them. She isn't willing to choose...because her chose is to have them both. But what she needs is for these two men to finally face each other and truly work out their issues...to work through the resentment , hate and jealousy they harbor against each other and realize that they aren't the enemy. Lillian grows a much needed backbone and makes sure they all understand that she isn't going to just sit around and wait for them to make decisions for her...she is taking control of her life and what she wants is them.

Both Arson and Aries do finally work towards forgiveness and putting their past behind them. They finally realize that they both were suffering and so was Lillian...and they didn't want to continue living in misery while everyone around them moved on with life. They men accepted that what Lillian wanted was both of them and they were able to see that their relationship only works when they are all together...she needs both men..they both give her something different that she needs. And Lillian is the balm that helps heal them in ways they didn't know were possible.

There is a lot of revenge and suspense...Aries and Arsons parents get EXACTLY what they deserved...and while violence doesn't always solve anything, I will say I was VERY happy to see them have the day they deserved after everything they put all three of those kids through.

Now...the spice?? Hold onto your kindles because things are VERY HOT. There is ABSOLUTELY no sword crossing...they do share her and have moments where all three are together, but they also have their own individual moments with Lillian as well. But all of the scenes were scorching hot in a way that only J.L. Beck can do. It was spicy, filthy, yet beautiful and healing all at the same time.

We do get to see some familiar faces from the previous books in the series. All of our questions get answered and we get to see these three finally getting to live in peace and happiness...something they never thought would be possible...I found myself crying on more than one occasion while reading this book. This book is 1000000% more emotional than the first part of the duet. The Psychopaths was more angst and anger....painful revelations...The Reckoning was more about healing...forgiveness...a hefty helping of revenge and retribution....but ultimately we get to see wounds heal and relationships blossom in the midst of chaos and pain.

I'm sad having to say goodbye to this world that J.L. Beck has created...I feel like through the seven books these characters have become a part of my life...but I know that J.L. has something amazing planned for us all and I can't wait to see what comes next.💛


Thank you so much to J.L. Beck for the INCREDIBLE opportunity to ARC read this phenomenal book. 💛

🖤Dark Romance
💛Why Choose / MFM
🖤Step-Siblings
💛Identical Twin Brothers
🖤Revenge
💛Morally Grey OTT Possessive MMC’s
🖤Character Development
💛Healing & Growth
🖤Stalker Heroine
💛DubCon/CNC
🖤Primal Play
💛Hidden Identity
🖤Blood Play
💛Kidnapping
🖤DP & Sharing
💛Degradation & Praise
🖤Lies & Secrets
💛Medium Burn
🖤Family Betrayal
💛Shmurder
🖤Enemies to Lovers
💛Touch Her & 💀
🖤Chase Scenes
💛Final Book in Series
🖤Grovelling
💛Psychopathic Behaviour
🖤Taboo
💛Forbidden
🖤You Belong to Us
💛Multi-POV
🖤HEA

[Stephanie Chapin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ARC Review of The Reckoning Book 7 in the Oakmount Elite Series by J.L Beck. This book is not a standalone. This book starts from the cliffhanger ending of The Pyscopaths so that book has to be read before The Reckoning. This is a why choose, MFM, identical twin brothers, stepsiblings, spicy, dark romance filled with suspense and twists and turns. This is the continuation of Lilian, Aries, and Arson's Story. Arson and Aries are identical twins. Arson blames Aries for getting put in a psychiatric institution by their father when they were kids because of an incident that wasn’t his fault he took the fall for Aries and now he wants revenge. Lilian is their stepsister she has lived with Aries for half her life  and she never knew Arson existed until now everyone was told he was dead. Arson had kept Aries locked up like how he was locked up so he could take his place. Lilian falls for Arson while also trying to save Aries and still being in love with him. Both brothers want her to me only theirs but hate each other. She turns the tables on them and locks them together in the cell that Aries was in hoping to force them to work out their issues. Lilian’s Mom and Arson and Aries Dad are not good people and are corrupt the three of them have been trying to bring them down and expose them. There is enemies everywhere and Lilian ends up being taken by a third party. This book picks up on a cliffhanger and starts with Aries and Arson still being in the cell and getting let out by a friend now they have to work together to get Lilian back. This book is full of suspense and you are constantly trying to figure out what’s really going on. I love the push and pull between all the main characters the angst and how the brothers have to work through their issues to save Lilian and how she has to come to terms with her feelings for both of them and what that means for the three of them going forward.

[Lyndi (mibookobsession) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Twin brothers, separated at age 14 after a tragic accident; one institutionalized and tortured, the other treated like the golden boy and heir... or was he? After escaping, Arson kidnapped his twin Aries and held him captive while he took over his life under a plot for revenge. But he never planned on Lillian. She saw through to the real him, not believing he's Aries, and still decided to help him. She refuses to choose between the brothers, and now with her being taken by Arson's financial backers, they are forced to work together to get her back. Will they ever stop fighting and using her as a pawn for revenge, or will she be forced to walk away for good?
I didn't realize that this was the last book in the series, but I knew I had to read the Psychopaths first. Now with the other characters in their friends group popping up to help, I'm interested in their stories as well. Seeing the brothers fight over Lillian like she was a favorite toy was frustrating, but I enjoyed how their dynamic changed once they finally stopped punching each other enough to communicate. The mystery of what truly happened and why was twisted and I was happy with how the story ended.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Clara Atkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reckoning is the perfect name for this book. It's the dark twisted conclusion to The Psychopaths and the seventh and final book of the Oakmount Elite series. While you must read The Psychopaths before this one since it's the conclusion to Aries, Arson and Lilian story you really should read the whole series in order so you can understand the family and friends dynamics along with the complexity of the characters and how they interact through out the series.

The Hayes family are hiding a treasure trove of secrets, betrayals, manipulation, scandal and depravities plus we finally discover who the mystery men are that were behind Arson's revenge. Unbelievable and shocking revelations are uncovered as the storyline unfolds. Who's playing whom? There's a thin line between right and wrong, love and hate, good vs evil. What a twisted web this story weaves who will survive when everything is said and done?
Buckle up because this one grabs you from the beginning and holds on tight till the shocking ending.

This was the perfect quote from the book :
“No. But this is our life, messy, bloody, full of pain and love.”

I received a free ARC through Booksprout an I'm voluntarily leaving my review.

5 + ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️

[itsjustjasz · Rating 5 out of 5]

GRIPPING, ADDICTIVE & DARKLY IRRESISTIBLE

I drowned myself in reading both The Psychopath & The Reckoning. This would be my first J.L. Beck books & I was far from disappointed.

When a book has spice, that’s already addictive. But when it’s paired with a gripping plot? That’s a gravitational pull I can’t escape.

Watching the characters evolve.. fragility turning into strength, vengeance morphing into protective love, and a sheltered facade blooming into undeniable power was nothing short of empowering.

The story has depth, purpose, and a powerful message. As taboo as it may be, the push and pull, the intensity, the emotions, it’s written in a way that makes you feel everything, as if you've become a part of the world.

This was definitely a 5 star read. Both books. I'm looking forward to read the rest from this series. Amazing amazing.

Favorite quote "To family. The kind you choose, and the kind that chooses you back."

[Crystal Emerson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reckoning is the second part of the duet and the final book in the Oakmount Elite series. I thought this one was a lot more emotional than the first part of the duet. The best bit is, why choose girlies rejoice, we finally moved from a love triangle to an MFM romance. This is simply chef’s kiss!

We pick up right at the ending of the cliffhanger and the story keeps you gripped. Things heat up in this book as Lillian forces the twins to face their issues. So, when the twins finally decide to share her in every way, IT IS HOTTT.

As always JL gives us crazy reveals, a twisty plot, and spice that delivers. The resolution at the end was the icing on the cake here. It was a fantastic conclusion to this series. I’ll miss this world and these characters and that’s a testament to JL’s writing.

✧ MFM
✧ Stepbrothers
✧ Revenge
✧ DP & Sharing
✧ Dark Romance
✧ Degradation
✧ Praise

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
🌶️🌶️🌶️.5

[Jenny · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the way this ended. A wonderful ending for these friends. It was heartbreaking, HOT, and wonderful. I loved every minute and could not put it down. Arson, Aries, and Lillian were made for each other. They fought, they loved, and so much more.

Thanks JL Beck for the opportunity to get an ARC copy for an honest review.

[Angel · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! Just wow! We pick up right where we left off and went running! Seeing how strong she becomes and what she has to do deal with these brothers is just amazing!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily

[Bene_reads_books · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have been on pins and needles while waiting for that book and it was worth the wait ! It is the conclusion of The Psychopaths and can't be read as a standalone. It's also the last book in the Oakmount series and I'm a little sad to leave them all.
It's beautiful to see Lilian take charge of her life, to see Aries and Arson fixing their relationship. It's raw, it's real, it's heartbreaking at times.
To conclude her series, the author wrote an incredibly emotional story.

[spicy_book_nook · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was amazing! So glad to finally have the conclusion! Aries and Arson were dreamy, dominant, spicy, alpha males! Yum!

[Natasha · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a way to end! I was so excited with the way The Psychopaths ended for The Reckoning and it did not disappoint! Aries and Arson had been at each other's throats for so long that seeing them first come to a compromise and then finally come together was worth the wait. Literally enemies to... well obviously not lovers but brothers. I knew that Aries and Arson needed to have a "Come to Jesus" moment and when they finally did, it was so cathartic. But also of course filled with tea because WHAT. the twists and turns in this book were insane. I thought i might know the ending, I did not. Nothing I thought was going to be true was and it was 100% turned on its head. Lillian had been through so much and this was probably the most insane thing, I can only imagine her attempting to explain this to other people. Lillian's family... insane. Respectfully. What in the hell did I read? I loved the twists and turns that happened up until the very end. I know the series is over but my god like what comes next? How do you move on from this? Honestly, in books like this.. what is the town saying? The people? I would be gagged hearing the tea from this! So the brother was never dead? Her mom and his dad? Wait.... shes with both? At the same time? The tea!! But for real this was such a good read and I think it went out with a bang

thank you to the author and the smuthood for the arc!

[M · Rating 4 out of 5]

I don't think I could have asked for a better ending to this amazing series! Definitely worth every stressed-out moment, every break of my heart, every frustration and hurt, every joy and triumph. Seriously so good!

The dynamic between them - Arson and Lilian vs Aries and Lilian - was refreshing and so not predicable. They way it just seamlessly worked had me in awe.

Some point felt a little rushed and I'm still wondering about a couple things, but overall, so good!
This is a bit bittersweet. These are an amazing group of characters.

Can't wait to see what's next

[lowkeyreader · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Reckoning is a gripping and intense romance that kept me on the edge of my seat. JL Beck masterfully blends suspense, emotion, and steamy romance into a powerful story that hooks you from the start. The slow-burn romance between the leads is charged with tension and passion, making their connection feel both urgent and heartfelt.

I loved the depth and complexity of the characters—each carrying their own scars and secrets—which added layers of emotional weight to the story. The hero’s fierce protectiveness and the heroine’s strength and resilience created a dynamic that was both compelling and believable. The plot’s twists and turns kept the stakes high and the pacing fast, making it hard to put the book down.

A few moments felt a little rushed toward the end, but the overall story arc and satisfying conclusion more than made up for it. The secondary characters added richness and brought additional heart to the narrative.

If you enjoy intense, emotional romances with a touch of suspense and deeply flawed, yet captivating characters, The Reckoning is definitely a read worth diving into. JL Beck delivers a powerful story that stays with you long after the last page.

[KayBeReading · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Reckoning picks up right where The Psychopaths end with good ole Drew Marshall coming to save the day. I was only though the first few chapters and I’m just like what in all that is holy is going on? Then I’m wondering why all these kids parents( aside from a few) are so darn crazy? Sweet little Lillian isn’t as sweet as we think. She is telling Aries and Arson what it’s going to be, shape up or ship out. She told them I want both or none and she meant that. There are so many moving pieces, secret and riddles going on my mind is all over the place trying to figure out what is going on. Halfway through I’m still like what in the mother of pearl is happening? But I’m intrigued, and I have to keep reading. Aries and Arson’s constant bickering like two old hens was getting on my nerves low key. I was like I wish they would fight already and get it over with. The fighting is not helping but it is fun to read though. I was so ecstatic when it finally happened! Let’s talk about the spicy, thought this was not a really spicy book the scenes we did get were amazing. And the sharing scene was the hottest! When everything came out about what was happening in the family I was shooketh. I was just staring at my kindle like whaaattt?!!!!!??? The ending was perfect bow to the end of the series. I’m so sad to see this series ends but I’m excited to see what is next from J.L. Beck!

[Hope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Two brothers that fight and pine for her. Yes! Two brothers who have fought to get back at each other but settle their differences for her . Yes! Two brothers who both live with secrets eating them alive until her. Yes! Two brothers who have never shared anything share her. Yes!
What a ride. It was a little emotional finishing “The Reckoning” knowing this is the last book of the Oakmount Elite series but J.L. Beck finished strong and made another masterpiece.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cort C · Rating 4 out of 5]

The ending of The Psychopaths left me reeling. I couldn’t wait to read The Reckoning to find out what happened next. It did not disappoint! There were twists and unexpected moments and I couldn’t put it down. I finished it in two sittings! Definitely recommend.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.